On April 18th, Oak Grove UMC will launch a new program for children: Story Time at Ethridge Inclusive Playground. For 4 Tuesdays, April 18th, 25th, May 2nd, & 9th, senior adults volunteers will be reading stories at 11 AM and 4 PM. Though all children are welcome to either time, the 11 AM time is aimed at children PreK and under. The 4 PM time is aimed at children in Kindergarten through 2nd grade. We will read 2-3 books at each Story Time for about 20 minutes each time. Books feature illustrations of characters using power chairs, wheel chairs, forearm crutches, & white canes. Story Time is free of charge. We will pause Story Time for the summer and return with new dates for August through October.
Who is invited to Story Time?
You! Everyone who would like to attend is welcome. Your children are free to join in the whole time or part of the time. We know that little ones’ attention spans are always changing & growing. Your child is free to join in late or leave early.
Check out our book titles:
April 18th
11 AM: I Can Do Hard Things by Gabi Garcia
The World Needs Who You Were Made to Be by Joanna Gaines
4 PM: All Different and Beautiful by Belle Belrose
Who Counts? 100 Sheep, 10 Coins, & 2 Sons by Amy-Jill Levine & Sandy Eisenberg Sasso
April 25th
11 AM: Maybe God Is Like That Too by Jennifer Grant
We Are All Connected: Caring for Each Other & the Earth by Gabi Garcia
Whoever You Are by Mem Fox
4 PM: Young Changemakers Making a Difference by Stacy C. Bauer
We Are All Connected: Caring for Each Other & the Earth by Gabi Garcia
The Good for Nothing Tree by Amy-Jill Levine & Sandy Eisenberg Sasso
May 2nd
11 AM: The Good for Nothing Tree by Amy-Jill Levine & Sandy Eisenberg Sasso
His Grace is Enough: How God Makes It Right When We’ve Got It Wrong by Melissa Kruger
Picturing God by Ruth Goring
4 PM: I’m a Saint In the Making by Lisa M. Hendey
In the Image of God: a Story of Identity & Value by Joe Caruso
May 9th
11 AM:“Slowly, Slowly, Slowly,” said the Sloth by Eric Carle
When God Made You by Matthew Paul Turner
4 PM: Young Changemakers, Compassionate Kids by Stacy C. Bauer
The Promise by Nicola Davies
Check out our readers:
Patty Chmiel, a former 1st grade teacher who can’t wait to share in Story Time.
Bonnie Hoyt, an Oak Grove librarian looking forward to reading to you.
Cindy Naglee, a retired preschool teacher who is looking forward to Story Time.
Virginia Sowell, an OGUMC staff member who loves serving the community.
Joy Trotti, formerly in Social Services with F.O.C.U.S. (Families of Children Under Stress), who is excited to share this time with you.
Gwen Wilkinson, a former elementary school volunteer who has missed helping out in the schools due to the pandemic.
In the event of inclement weather, Story Time will be cancelled for the day. Contact Director of Children’s Ministry, Elizabeth Loughran for more information at ELoughran@ogumc.org .
